Good chardonnay will develop and improve over a year or more, and some producers hold back their wine to release when it's drinking well. That doesn't always mean it won't continue to develop with further age.
Julicher Martinborough Chardonnay 2009, $20
Three and a half stars (out of five)
Good value
Lovely hints of nectarines, peaches and toasted hazelnuts, creamy and textural, but alsobright, intense, crisp and long. Good drinking now.
Three stars
Average value
A mature wine, golden in colour with hints of papaya, nectarine and buttered toast, and asilky texture. Not for long keeping.
Three and a half stars
Average value
Attractive with lovely hints of peach and nectarine, underlying spicy, nutty notes and a crisp,fresh, lively finish. Will develop with bottle age.
Three stars (out of five)
Below average value
Definitely a wine for oak-lovers, this is a bit like chewing a grapefruit and nectarine flavouredmantelpiece, but the nutty undertones and fruit flavours linger on the aftertaste.
Four stars
Average value
A bold wine hinting of nectarine and golden syrup with nutty undertones and a suggestion ofmineral, supported by spicy oak and a fresh finish. Will benefit from more time in bottle.
Four stars
Below average value
A classy wine, textural and nicely integrated with complex hints of smoky bacon, toasty oakand caramel, supported by underlying oak and a fresh, crisp finish.
ANOTHER GLASS
Saint Clair Marlborough Chardonnay 2010, $21.50
Two and a half stars
Below average value
A simple fresh wine with hints of stonefruit and nuts with a dusty undertone and crisp finish.
Te Mania Reserve Nelson Chardonnay 2009, $28
Three and a half stars
Average value
This hints of smoky bacon, mineral and peach, is nicely mellowed, textural and balanced with a lingering after taste.
